Official's rape case jolts South Africans / He was regarded as potential president

Robyn Dixon, Los Angeles Times

Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, December 7, 2005

2005-12-07 04:00:00 PDT Johannesburg -- The deputy leader of the governing African National Congress party, Jacob Zuma, once seen by many as the potential heir apparent to South Africa's president, appeared in court Tuesday charged with raping a family friend after inviting her to his home and offering her a massage.

The accusation follows Zuma's removal in June from the post of deputy president in the wake of bribery charges.

The populist Zuma was able to rally support in his power base, the ANC Youth League, unions and the South African Communist Party after the corruption charges. However, the airing of the rape allegations in the media in recent weeks has accompanied a sharp drop in support.

Zuma's allies maintain that the rape charges are part of a conspiracy orchestrated to undermine his chances of becoming president. Still, some analysts said it would be difficult for Zuma to recover politically from the dual blows of two drawn-out court cases.

"I wish to state clearly that I am innocent of these charges," Zuma said in a statement. "I regard these allegations against me very seriously, as I abhor any form of abuse against women. Throughout my life, in line with the policies of my organization, the ANC, I have fought against all forms of violence and abuse against women."

Zuma was released on just over $3,000 in bail. He said he would not carry out official functions as deputy party leader while the case continued, but he did not relinquish the post.

Under South African law, if he is convicted and jailed on either charge, he will not be allowed to pursue public office.

According to the rape indictment, Zuma, 63, invited a 31-year-old family friend to visit him at his home Nov. 2. During the evening, he invited her to stay overnight and showed her a room where she could sleep.

The indictment charges that Zuma later came to her room and offered her a massage, which she refused, then dragged the comforter from her bed and forced her to have sex with him.

South African newspapers have reported that the alleged victim is an AIDS activist and member of a prominent ANC family.

The corruption case against Zuma split the ANC, with his supporters rallying angrily in October and November at hearings held on the charges in Durban. Several burned a shirt bearing a picture of President Thabo Mbeki, who had made the decision that Zuma should step down as deputy president.

After the rape charge, however, the ANC Women's League issued a statement Tuesday that said while Zuma was innocent until proven guilty, it was time for the state and society to support the victim. "Violation of the rights of women and children is an act that the ANCWL has continuously campaigned against," the organization said.

Ebrahim Fakir, senior researcher at the political analysis organization the Center for Policy Studies, said both charges had raised questions about Zuma's judgment and his ability to lead the country.

"I think it might be strategic and wise for the ANC to consider the kind of negative perceptions that might accrue to them as a party in government to keep an individual in such a high-profile position," he said, suggesting that Zuma should formally give up the post of ANC deputy leader until he was cleared.

If he is cleared of all charges, he could rebuild his support, given his popularity, Fakir said.